1.
adjustment; regulation; tuning
The act of making fine changes to bring something to a desired state or correct level. Used for mechanical calibration, schedule changes, and physical conditioning.
音量を調整する。
Adjust the volume.
エアコンの温度を調整してください。
Please adjust the air conditioner temperature.
試合の前に体調を調整するのが大切だ。
It's important to get yourself in good condition before the match.
2.
coordination; arrangement; mediation
The act of bringing different parties, opinions, or schedules into alignment. Often used in business and organizational contexts.
スケジュールを調整する。
Coordinate schedules.
関係者との調整に時間がかかった。
It took time to coordinate with the people involved.
部署の間で意見の調整が必要だと感じた。
I felt it was necessary to coordinate opinions between departments.
USAGE NOTES:
調整 is one of the most common する-verbs in daily and business Japanese. It covers both physical adjustments (tuning a machine, adjusting brightness) and interpersonal coordination (aligning schedules, mediating between parties).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 調節 focuses on regulating to a proper level (temperature, humidity) and is more mechanical/technical
- 調整 is broader and includes interpersonal coordination that 調節 does not cover
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- スケジュールを調整する (coordinate schedules)
- 日程を調整する (adjust the schedule)
- 体調を調整する (get in condition)
- 味を調整する (adjust the flavor)
- 意見を調整する (reconcile opinions)